Bacon is more than just a breakfast favorite, it’s a kitchen staple that adds flavor, crunch, and a savory kick to countless dishes. But when it comes to choosing between thick-cut and thin-cut bacon, which one truly shines in your favorite recipes?
Whether you’re cooking up a classic BLT, wrapping scallops, or topping a burger, the right bacon cut can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each, how they’re best used, and which type is the ultimate bacon for your next meal.
Understanding Bacon Cuts: More Than Just Thickness
Before we dive into the debate, let’s get familiar with the different types of bacon you’ll find at the butcher or grocery store. Most bacon is made from pork belly, but you’ll also see options like beef bacon and Canadian Style Bacon. Each has its own flavor, texture, and best uses in recipes.
• Pork bacon: The classic, made from pork belly, known for its rich flavor and crispy texture.
• Beef bacon: Made from beef belly or brisket, it’s leaner and packs a protein punch.
• Hickory Smoked Bacon: Smoked over hickory wood, this bacon has a deep, smoky flavor perfect for hearty dishes.
• Canadian Style Bacon: Made from pork loin, it’s lean, round, and more like ham than traditional bacon.
If you’re looking for the best bacon for your recipes, knowing these differences is a great place to start.
Cooking With Thin-Cut Bacon
Thin-cut bacon is the go-to for classic crispy strips. It’s the best bacon for recipes where you want a light, crunchy texture that blends into the dish rather than taking center stage.
Best Uses for Thin-Cut Bacon
• Sandwiches and BLTs: The crispiness adds texture without overpowering the other flavors.
• Salads: Crumbled thin bacon makes the perfect salad topping.
• Wrapping: Thin slices are ideal for wrapping around veggies, shrimp, or jalapeno poppers-they cook quickly and crisp up nicely.
• Garnishes: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over soups, baked potatoes, or deviled eggs.
Cooking Tips
Thin bacon cooks fast, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning. For extra crispiness, try baking it in the oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes. This no-mess method is great for making big batches and keeps your stovetop clean. If you want to get creative, try flavoring your bacon with black pepper, maple syrup, or even a touch of honey and sriracha before baking.
Cooking With Thick-Cut Bacon
Thick-cut bacon is all about bold flavor and a hearty bite. It stays chewy inside while crisping up at the edges, making it a star ingredient in recipes where bacon is meant to be noticed.
Best Uses for Thick-Cut Bacon
• Burgers and breakfast plates: The meaty texture holds up well and gives you a satisfying chew.
• Pasta dishes: Thick bacon adds depth to carbonara or creamy pasta sauces.
• Bacon-wrapped recipes: The thickness keeps the bacon from overcooking before the inside is done, perfect for bacon-wrapped scallops or chicken.
• Soups and stews: Cut into lardons or cubes, thick bacon adds a smoky, savory base to hearty dishes.
Cooking Tips
Thick-cut bacon takes longer to cook-plan on 20-25 minutes in the oven at 400-450°F. For even cooking, lay slices on a rack over a rimmed baking sheet. The fat will render out, and the bacon will crisp up beautifully. Save the bacon grease for cooking eggs or veggies later!
Specialty Bacons: Beef, Hickory Smoked, and Canadian Style
If you’re looking to switch things up, try using beef bacon or Hickory Smoked Bacon in your recipes. Beef bacon is leaner and higher in protein, making it a great choice for anyone avoiding pork or looking for a different flavor profile. Hickory smoked varieties add a deep, woodsy flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or baked beans.
Canadian Style Bacon is another unique option. Made from pork loin, it’s round, lean, and more similar to ham. It’s fully cooked, so you can eat it straight from the package or warm it up for breakfast sandwiches, pizza, or as a protein boost in salads.
How Bacon Thickness Changes Your Recipe
The thickness of your bacon can change the outcome of your dish in surprising ways:
• Texture: Thin bacon gets crispy and shatters easily, while thick bacon stays chewy and meaty.
• Flavor: Thicker cuts have a more pronounced bacon flavor and can stand up to bold ingredients.
• Cooking time: Thin bacon cooks in minutes, while thick bacon needs more time and attention.
• Fat content: Thicker bacon renders more fat, which can be used to flavor other ingredients in your recipe.
Choosing the right bacon thickness is about matching the texture and flavor you want in your finished dish.
Bacon in Classic Recipes: Which Cut Wins?
Let’s look at some popular recipes and see which bacon cut comes out on top.
1. BLT Sandwich
• Winner: Thin-cut bacon
• Why: It crisps up perfectly and doesn’t overpower the fresh tomato and lettuce.
2. Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
• Winner: Thin-cut bacon
• Why: It cooks quickly, crisping up before the scallop overcooks.
3. Pasta Carbonara
• Winner: Thick-cut bacon
• Why: The meaty cubes add texture and a smoky flavor that balances the creamy sauce.
4. Breakfast Plate
• Winner: Thick-cut bacon
• Why: It’s hearty, chewy, and stands up to eggs, pancakes, and hash browns.
5. Salads and Garnishes
• Winner: Thin-cut bacon
• Why: It crumbles easily and adds a crispy, salty touch to greens.
6. Bacon Burgers
• Winner: Thick-cut bacon
• Why: The thick slices hold their shape and add a satisfying bite to juicy burgers.
Bacon Beyond Breakfast: Creative Ways to Use Bacon
Bacon isn’t just for breakfast. Try these ideas:
• Bacon jam: Slow-cooked bacon, onions, and brown sugar make a sweet and savory spread.
• Bacon-wrapped veggies: Asparagus, green beans, or even sweet potato fries get a flavor boost.
• Bacon in baked goods: Add crispy bacon to muffins, scones, or even chocolate chip cookies for a salty-sweet surprise.
• Bacon-infused cocktails: Use Hickory Smoked Bacon to rim a Bloody Mary glass or infuse bourbon for a smoky twist.
Bacon Cooking FAQs
Q: Can you cook bacon in the oven?
A: Absolutely! Oven-baked bacon is easy, less messy, and perfect for both thick and thin cuts. Just lay the slices on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F until crispy.
Q: Which bacon is best for meal prep?
A: Thick-cut bacon holds up well in reheated dishes, while thin-cut bacon is best for quick snacks and toppings.
Q: Does beef bacon taste like pork bacon?
A: Beef bacon has a similar smoky, salty flavor but is leaner and slightly chewier. It’s a tasty alternative for anyone avoiding pork.
Q: Is Canadian Style Bacon actually from Canada?
A: Not exactly. It’s made from pork loin and is more like ham than traditional bacon. It’s a lean, fully cooked option popular in North America.
Q: What’s the best way to store cooked bacon?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven for best results.
The Final Sizzle: Which Bacon Is Best for Recipes?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, thick-cut and thin-cut bacon both have their place in the kitchen. For crispy toppings, delicate wraps, and sandwiches, thin-cut bacon is your best bet. For hearty dishes, bold flavors, and recipes where bacon is the star, thick-cut bacon can’t be beat.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different types, from Pork bacon to beef bacon, or even Hickory Smoked Bacon and Canadian Style Bacon. Each brings something unique to the table, and you might just discover a new favorite.
If you want to master bacon cooking, explore how oven-baking makes for easy, no-mess, perfectly crisp results. And if you’re curious about the protein content of bacon compared to sausage, you can find detailed breakdowns to help you make the healthiest choice for your breakfast plate.
Make Every Recipe Better With the Right Bacon
Bacon is a versatile ingredient that can elevate any meal, from breakfast to dessert. Choosing the right cut-thick or thin-depends on your recipe, taste, and how you want the bacon to shine. With so many options, from classic Pork bacon to leaner beef bacon and flavorful Hickory Smoked Bacon, there’s a perfect bacon for every dish.
At Frank’s Butcher Shop, every cut of bacon is carefully selected and expertly prepared, ensuring you get the very best quality and flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, cooking for a crowd, or simply enjoying a quiet breakfast at home, you’ll taste the difference that comes from premium, dry-aged meats.
Browse our full range of bacon cuts and flavors at Frank’s Butcher Shop. Enjoy the best bacon in every recipe-from crispy breakfast plates to creative dinner ideas.
Your next kitchen masterpiece starts with the right bacon!